Cause and Effects

CAUSE AND EFFECTS

Interactive Data Visualization

It aims to visualize California sea lion unusual mortality events (UME) to create a new layer of understanding of the situation as an important environmental issue.

Exhibition

- IEEE VIS 2017 Arts Program Demo Session, Phoenix, AZ USA
- 2017 AMC Siggraph Education Committee 2017 Los Angeles, CA USA
- 2017 Long Beach Pump 2017, Long Beach, CA USA 2017

Tools Used

D3js
Illustrator
Wooden Structure

Team

Praful Surve
Josh Cuellar

PROJECT WEBSITE (Click to Visit)

Data Processing

01 Design Brief

“CAUSES AND EFFECTS” examines the causes and impacts on sea lion UME by controlling multivariate factors that impact sea lions’ health and stranding. The resulting images of our visualizations are not only visually appealing but also allow users to explore how environmental factors impact the lives and situations of sea lions.

02 Data Collection

Current data shows that changes in the availability of sea lion prey in Southern California waters were likely a contributor to the UME. Sardine spawning grounds shifted further offshore in 2012 and 2013, and while other prey was available (market squid and rockfish), they may not have provided adequate nutrition. Findings indicate a lack of high-quality, nearby food sources for nursing mothers.

Source: NOAA

03 Concept Development

After numerous iterations, we chose infinite loop, an hour glass as visual metaphors and effective shapes as they not only have aesthetically powerful imageries but deliver narratives and detailed information based on continuous line formations. In terms of data curation, we used the years that showed the biggest difference in mortality figures.

04 Refine Data-set

We proceeded with data sets and removed all redundant parts, making it easier to visualize. Finally, we created each data set and listed them in order to compare their relevance. We described some of the current changes in weight, number of individuals, and mortality rates that have affected California sea lions due to natural phenomenon and changes in the feeding system.

05 Visualization

Paper-based Design

Screen-based Interaction

Web browsers are the main platform for screen-based design, enabling easy and widespread access and allowing users to explore the information. Users can control multiple sliders to change different variables or the extent of each cause in order to observe the resulting impacts on the right side of the circle. Preset data also allow users to observe the data for key years.

PROJECT WEBSITE (Click to Visit)

Physical Installation-based Interaction

In a public space, this visualization can be exhibited as artwork as part of a physical installation. Two circular forms are projected on multiple layers of circular forms, wherein either an iPad screen or analog slider sensors can be used as input devices. Users would thus be able to directly control and manipulate each arc. The use of three-dimensional depth can be used to emphasize different details of the visualization and to make the two circular shapes more dynamic.

Reflection

This project draws attention to the issue through a simple and intuitive visualization that makes use of an infinity loop and that places emphasis on aesthetics. Users can observe and explore how the sea lion UME has been developed over time through simple interactive settings. Users can thus visualize various causes and effects. These visuals are also representative of natural flows and impacts to natural cycles as a result of global warming, which is one of the most critical environmental issues of modern times.

Ultimately, such visualizations may enhance users’ connection with the information and increase the public’s awareness of the sea lion UME. The ultimate goal would be for such awareness to lead to actions necessary for halting negative outcomes in nature and for resolving current issues.